Compare Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary by Exodus Travels vs Best of India And Dubai by Indus Travels

Day 1 Start Delhi; transfer to Sariska National Park

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces. Meet the group either at a named meeting point (normally the Florence Inn) or Delhi Airport – see the Joining Instructions for more information. We than drive to Sariska National Park, which may take between three and four hours depending upon traffic. If you don’t want to do this journey straight after your flight, we recommend spending a pre-tour night in Delhi – speak to your sales representative to book. Accommodation: Sariska Tiger Camp (or Similar)

Day 2 Morning game drive around Sariska National Park; drive to Jaipur in the afternoon

Sariska National Park was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and is home to nilgai, wild boar, jackals, hyenas and chowsingha (four-horned antelope). The game drive will be in the buffer zone, mainly on sealed roads (there will not be an opportunity to see tigers during  summer). Although these departures operate during the rainy season, the crowds are reduced and those with an interest in bird life will find an abundance in Sariska. In the afternoon, we drive to Jaipur and transfer to our hotel. Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)

Day 3 City tour of the Jaipur landmarks, including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort; free time to explore

Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues constructed of sandstone and later painted pink. On our city tour led by a local guide, we visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights in India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We also see the impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). We then visit the hilltop Amber Fort, which sits above a lake a few miles from the main city. The grand 16th-century palace complex combines Hindu and Muslim design and is made from pale yellow and pink sandstone. After, the tour leader generally takes the group to a large shop, where a co-operative of local families sells their wares. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. It will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything! Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)

Day 4 Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri

Today we drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s deserted royal city. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son: his successor, the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers; the palaces; residences; and halls of audience are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years. In 1584, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today – in perfect condition. We arrive in Agra early evening. Accommodation: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar)

Day 5 Visit the incredible Taj Mahal and Agra Fort; overnight train to Varanasi

Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. Accommodation: Sleeper train

Day 6 Relax and enjoy the wonders of Varanasi

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. For information about hotel check-in times please see our "Worth Knowing" section within the Trip Notes. On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. As such, the city lives and breathes Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. It is a city to immerse yourself in: explore the maze of narrow lanes and many temples and watch the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. There is time to visit emporiums specialising in silks and brocades or maybe take a massage by the riverbanks. In the afternoon, we can take an optional visit to nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Sarnath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. There’s also an archaeology museum, which exhibits Buddhist artefacts and houses the findings of excavations from the Sarnath site. Your tour leader can organise various optional sightseeing trips during your two days here. Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)

Day 7 Dawn boat ride on the Ganges visiting the bathing ghats; afternoon train to Delhi

Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon, we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi, a great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner is provided, which usually includes a soup and light meal with rice and vegetables. You may wish to pick up some additional snacks/fruit prior to boarding. We arrive in Delhi late evening and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)

Day 8 Delhi free day or optional sightseeing

Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh. Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)

Day 9 End Delhi

Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, catch your free transfer to the airport and begin your return journey home – remember to provide your details at least two weeks prior to arrival to secure your seat.

Make your way to your gateway airport to board your flight to India. Enjoy in-flight meals and services. Overnight onboard the flight

Welcome to Delhi, India! a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs. On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Delhi

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: After breakfast, Tour the Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. At the famous Red Fort, where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly-independent India on August 15, 1947, trade the vehicle for bicycle rickshaws. Weave through the warren of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest bazaars, where you will see the traditional workmanship for which India is well known and still thrives. Visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The majestic Jama Masjid – meaning world-reflecting’ mosque – is Old Delhi’s principal place of worship, and the largest and most renowned of its kind in India. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan – who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort – it’s an elaborate structure featuring an expansive geometric base topped with globe-shaped minarets crafted from strips of red sandstone and white marble, and a massive courtyard that can hold up to 25 000 people. This afternoon visit the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning 240-foot minaret, the tallest in the world, surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.

Afternoon: Drive to the medieval city of Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and needless to say is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions.

Accommodation: Overnight in Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Early this morning visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel as light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful rising sun’s rays. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps book an optional tour to Agra Fort.
Overnight in Agra.

Breakfast: At Hotel
Afternoon: Drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water.
Dinner: Authentic Rajasthani cuisine at local restaurant
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast & dinner

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Start with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort perched on top of a hill. A royal ride on elephant (subject to availability) up the hill like the Maharajas of past times and visit the Jagmandir (the hall of victory). Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.”
Afternoon: View the grand Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street, City Palace and impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name. Also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old part of the Pink city.

Evening: Demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: At leisure or shopping at local Bazars in Jaipur.
Afternoon: Drive back to Delhi.
Accommodation: Overnight in Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to UAE. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Dubai.
Afternoon: Take a half-day sightseeing tour of Dubai city. It has been said that Dubai is a city of ages that rises out of the desert and crowns the Gulf Coast with its presence. The city is in constant motion and renewal, offering a unique blend of the old and the new, making it one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. The route takes you first to a magnificent view of Dubai Creek, passing by the heritage area of Bastakiya, with its charming wind towered houses built by wealthy merchants. You will then move on to the 225-year-old Al Fahidi Fort, where the Dubai Museum holds precious archives and memories of the city’s past, as well as chronicles of its developing stages. Just a few streets on, you will board an Abra, a traditional wooden boat, to cross the Creek for a visit to the Spice Market and the Gold Souk. Where you can find some of the best jewelry in town. Boarding the vehicle again, and you will have the opportunity to stop for a photo shoot next to Jumeirah Mosque – an architectural landmark of Dubai, and as finale to our journey, we will pass in front of Burj Al Arab.
Evening: Transfer to the hotel for check in.
Accommodation: Overnight in Dubai
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Free day at leisure or book one of the following optional tours.

Accommodation: Overnight in Dubai
Meals Included: Breakfast.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Today you will visit Abu Dhabi.

Afternoon: Enjoy a half day Abu Dhabi city tour. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the residence of the Federal National Council. Recognized as one of the world’s largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi, is undergoing a massive diversification of its economy and is investing in many different areas such as commerce, tourism and culture. Your journey begins in Dubai, where you will travel past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali, and mega airport “Dubai World Central” and onward for the less than two–hour drive to Abu Dhabi. You will be spellbound by the splendor of the new additions to Abu Dhabi’s skyline, as well as the grandiose Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. The journey continues through the heart of the city where you can see the famous Union Square that houses symbolic themes inspired by the customs of the country. After a short drive along the Corniche, you will arrive to the Heritage Village, specially designed by late HH Sheikh Zayed Ben Sultan al Nahyan, as a reminder of the past for the younger generation. You can browse and buy souvenirs in the Village and you will also have the opportunity to enjoy shopping at the up-market Abu Dhabi Marina Mall.

Meals Included:   Breakfast

Later today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.

Overnight onboard flight 

Early Morning: You will board your return flight and enjoy breakfast and lunch on board. Arrive home on same day